Alum looks to add some additional SPARK to Boston

When Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was looking to amplify the voices of young Bostonians in the workings of local government, she enlisted participants from across the city to create SPARK Boston Council. The 38-member group advises the mayor on city policies and programs affecting 20- to 35-year-olds in Boston, a key demographic whose perspectives and recommendations are considered crucial for shaping a more livable, welcoming, and forward-thinking city.

Among the voices emerging through SPARK is that of Faaiz Masood ’20, who works as a senior software analyst at TPSO.

“Being selected for SPARK is an honor, offering a platform to bridge leadership and community engagement,” Massod says. He is now preparing to launch the Spark Talk Series, a project inspired by the TED Talk format. This initiative aims to invite Boston’s city leadership to share personal stories that highlight their challenges, successes, and lessons learned. “The goal is to inspire and connect with Boston’s young residents on a deeper level, demonstrating that leadership isn’t just about positions or power; it’s about perseverance, vision, and empathy,” he says.

Massood graduated from Clark four years ago, but the university is never far from his thoughts. He recalls holding a number of jobs — working with catering services; sorting mail; calling alumni on behalf of The Clark Fund; assisting students as a resident advisor — through which “I not only supported myself but also found friendships, mentorships, and a sense of belonging that made Clark feel at home.”

The computer science major credits advisor Professor Li Han with helping him take on rigorous coursework and reminding him “that growth often comes from struggle.” Alumni mentors Rehan Rasool ’15, M.Eng. ’19, and Syed Rizwan Banoori ’17 offered practical guidance and industry expertise to help him navigate the job market. He also joined Project CODY as lead mentor to introduce middle and high school students to programming fundamentals through engaging, interactive sessions.

Post-graduation, Masood joined fellow Abdur Rahman ’20, Teodor Nicola ’19, and Evan Hoffman ’21 to establish the Clark Alumni Board of Computer Science. Born from a shared vision of connecting alumni and students, the board became a platform for mentorship and collaboration by organizing panels, staging mock interviews, and providing career guidance sessions.

“Looking back, my time at Clark wasn’t just about earning a degree,” he says. “It was about learning how to face challenges with resilience, build meaningful connections, and find purpose in helping others.” And sometimes, that can mean providing a bit of a spark for the future.